The Ontario PeriAnesthesia Nurses Association (OPANA) has been representing our nursing specialty since 1985 and was involved with the formation of the National Association of PeriAnesthesia Nurses, Canada (NAPANc). With a membership of over 250 PeriAnesthesia nurses, OPANA offers conferences, workshops and webinars to support members in their educational goals, at a discounted price. A portion of the yearly membership fees ($10) are forwarded to NAPANc; therefore, OPANA members automatically become NAPANc members!

OPANA sends members a quarterly newsletter called “The Monitor” updating perianesthesia nurses with relevant news from across the province. We encourage members to their regional representatives in order to share innovative ideas, best practices and changes to current practice in order to learn from each other. Our entire catalogue of The Monitor are available on our website for members and non-members to access www.opana.org Our website includes current literature, Spotlights on new board members, regional updates; and information on how to become an OPANA volunteer.

Becoming active in our association has its benefits and we encourage all perianesthesia nurses to volunteer! We have front line perianesthesia nurses, educators, managers, nurse practitioners and directors on our board to ensure all nurses are represented. No one is turned away as we believe everyone has strengths and talents to share! We recruit to help with conference planning and hope to entice volunteers with our supportive networking and passion to take on additional responsibilities by buddying up with a mentor. These become leadership opportunities on a personal and professional level.

Our website provides information on all positions and we welcome all interested perianesthesia nurses. The OPANA website also hosts a forum where OPANA members can access information on anything perianesthesia related.

Our goals are to promote PeriAnesthesia practice and education, CNA national certification, and professional networking. OPANA is proud to offer opportunities for financial compensation in the form of bursaries for conferences and certification through an application process. For more information www.opana.org.